By Sterling Vineyards
2015 Sterling Vineyards Winemaker Select Napa Valley Red Blend

Vintage
The 2015 growing season in Napa Valley was of outstanding quality, marked with ideal weather throughout and no issues from frost, heat spikes, or rain. The continuation of California's drought brought a dry winter followed by a dry and early spring with an early bud break. Weather was warm and consistent throughout late spring and summer, which allowed for the full development of the grapes. Harvest began in August, and although overall crop loads were low due to continued drought conditions, the quality and depth of flavor of the fruit were excellent.

Tasting Note
The 2015 Winemaker's Select Red Wine is a gorgeous Napa representation of the classic Bordeaux blend. Featuring predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, the wine exhibits inviting cassis, red plum, and floral aromatics. On the palate, juicy dark cherry and black currant fruit flavors blend with savory spice and leather notes. For those desiring to enjoy today, decant for one hour and serve with robustly flavored foods.

Vineyard
We sourced our grapes from select vineyards throughout Napa Valley, building complexity and layers from multiple sites. We placed a special emphasis on cooler climate sub-AVAs, such as Yountville, Mount Veeder, and Oak Knoll. The cooler vineyards offer a bright clarity of fruit, with vibrant notes of red plum and cassis that persist through the palate.

Winemaking
Aged for 20 months in 100% French oak (50% new), this wine is well-balanced and structured for cellaring in the medium term. The final varietal composition consists of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, and 2% Petite Sirah.

Harry Hansen, Winemaker
Director of Winemaking Harry Hansen was raised in nearby Sonoma County. One of my earliest memories of wine was the gallon jug of red wine that we always had at home. I would go with my father to a local winery, maybe in Kenwood or Healdsburg, to refill that jug and chit-chat with the winery proprietors. The aromas of those wines were always something attractive, somehow mysterious, but always memorable. Harry joined Sterling Vineyards and relocated to Napa Valley just before the 2011 harvest. The opportunity to join such a respected Napa Valley winery is exciting and a fantastic next step in my winemaking career. Sterling Vineyards is making some wonderful wines, and I look forward to taking that next step up in quality and reputation.

Wine Details
Alcohol: 14.90%
Enclosure Type: Cork
Oak Treatment: Aged 20 months in French oak (50% new)
Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 2% Petite Sirah
[Information provided by Sterling Vineyards]